Dose of SALT

To the Editors:

Pray God that the honorable Senators realize that SALT II [May 21], despite its imperfections, represents a giant step for mankind as an initial move toward trust and disarmament.

Michael LaGrone Baytown, Texas

I find the SALT II treaty almost as useful as the pre-World War II Munich conference. The U.S. and U.S.S.R. will always make sure there are enough weapons around to destroy the planet.

Ed Hershman Chicago

Just what the doctor ordered: a dose of SALT II to avoid high blood pressure around the world.

Gene Wildman New York City

Should we in fact detect cheating by the Soviets, it is our word against theirs. Isn't such a situation more dangerous and liable to bring on a crisis than if we had secured more reliable forms of verification by being more stubborn and shrewd in our negotiations? Without the possibility of 100% verification, we are the big losers in the deal.

Robert P. Sternick Fullerton, Calif.

If Carter wants to go down in history as the savior of the world--and the time was never riper--let him make the boldest move of all: experiments in unilateral disarmament. We can't go on forever piling up genocidal weapons.

Herbert Meredith Orrell Albuquerque

On the Right Tracks

The Essay "The Sad State of the Passenger Train" [May 21] says it all. Let us hope that before the railroad tracks are replaced with sassafras bushes or asphalt parking lots, we in the boondocks without supersonic transports will stand up and be counted for rail travel. For those who can: fly. For those who can't: please give us a choice.

Rachel Myers Bedford, Ind.

Our country should definitely stop, look and listen once more.

Louis D. King Iowa, La.

Most people who bemoan the passing of the passenger train haven't been on one in a decade, and wouldn't use trains no matter how efficient and comfortable they might be. We should point our efforts toward solving the problems of railroads as freight carriers, which is where they are best.

George F. Janecky St. Paul

Antitrust Pros and Cons

Your conference on antitrust [May 21] mentions that Senator Edward Kennedy is sponsoring legislation to prevent mergers and takeovers because of size. In the next breath he is trumpeting legislation for a monopoly in health insurance. It is time to turn our trustbuster from Massachusetts loose on the Government.

Dave Crowther Aurora, Colo.

If the trust-dominated media and politicians would stop talking to each other and listen to the enraged public, they would know that social control of basic industry is the wave of the future.

J. Quinn Brisben Chicago

Unless we uncuff business, America is doomed. Capitalism cannot, in the long run, survive in a semicapitalistic state. It is the businessmen, not the politicians, who have raised the American standard of living to its unprecedented level.

Gene Domanico Rosedale, N. Y.

"Every man for himself," the elephants snort as they dance among the chickens.

Is bigness badness? It is if you're a chicken.

Donnell L. Crain East Wenatchee, Wash.

Second Opinion on Dr. Thomas

Dr. Lewis Thomas [May 14] wonders why Americans are so obsessed--"needlessly," he says--with their health. I will gladly tell him.

It is because the scientific establishment to which he belongs keeps warning us, every other day, it seems, of some new carcinogen that has been found in the air we breathe, the water we drink or the food we eat. Under these depressing circumstances, hypochondria seems to me not only normal but inevitable.

Edward McNamara Danbury, Conn.

Modern medicine has a genuine hero in Lewis Thomas. We see ourselves proud by reflected light.

Robert L. Rader, M.D. Cobden, III.

Praise from Buckley

Lance Morrow's Viet Nam roundup [April 23] was a remarkable experience, blending pyrotechnics and lyricism. Your readers are greatly in his debt.

William F. Buckley Jr., Editor National Review New York City

What Is the Question?

Frank Trippett's Essay "A New Distrust of the Experts" [May 14] struck a responsive chord in me. As both private citizen and public official I've struggled with the decision as to which of conflicting "experts" to believe. Perhaps the essential element in choosing whom to believe is to decide what the question is. Is it truly a technical question or is it imbued with emotional and ethical content?

Thomas B. Baines Chamber of Commerce Tulsa

Israel vs. the Palestinians

How does Israel intend to live with and have any peace with the Arab residents of the West Bank [May 21] if it constantly provokes and harasses the peaceful ones? It seems clear that the Israelis intend to choke off all but the violent Palestinian options so that they can label Palestinians terrorists, kill them and have world approval at the same time.

Raymond Porfiri Coral Gables, Fla.

"What were the Israelis trying to prove this time?" The answer is, nothing. Israel does not engage in arrogant, deadly games for fun but strives to defend its people, just as you would yours.

Malka Chosnek Corpus Christi, Texas

Roaches and Reincarnation

While fascinated by your story on roaches [May 21], I was disturbed by the information that roaches predate human beings. That destroys my theory that roaches are proof of reincarnation.

Evelyn Z. McClave Washington, D.C.

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